The betting market proved to be a good guide to the Thomastown Apprentice 3-y-o Handicap (45-65) with the well-backed Black Cat Bobby (7/2, having shortened from 12s into 4/1 before racing) coming out on top.

Cian MacRedmond ’s mount tracked the leaders and got a nice run through on the inner at the cutaway rail early in the home straight.

Soon in front, the son of Bobby’s Kitten rolled around a bit coming to the furlong marker but was nicely clear at that stage. He scored by two lengths from the fast-finishing She’s Good Company (6/1, having been as big as 40s in the morning) with Giustino (12/1) another neck away in third.

Winning trainer Ciaran Murphy said: “We're delighted with that. He ran well in a barrier trial as a two-year-old but things didn't really go his way afterwards, he ran into a few nice ones.

“We got him gelded (in January) and he was a bit flat when he came back in but in the last couple of weeks he's really come to himself.

“We were delighted with him coming here and he goes in that ground which was a help to him.

“Seven or a mile is fine for him. He's a lovely horse, a lovely ride and an easy sort.”

Quotes from Gary Carson